Africa University Fund

Theology and Education
Africa University board members and staff celebrate during a dinner to mark the end of the March meetings at the United Methodist-related university in Mutare, Zimbabwe. The university introduced new board members and welcomed them to the institution during the event. Photo courtesy of Africa University Advancement and Public Affairs Office.

Africa University gets first AME member on development board

Monifa McKnight hopes to provide a bridge between United Methodists and the African Methodist Episcopal Church for the 34-year-old Pan-African institution.
Theology and Education
Vice chancellor Peter M. Mageto speaks during the commissioning of the Africa University solar plant in Mutare, Zimbabwe, on June 6. The solar plant represents a new milestone in the university’s quest to harness sustainable green energy and escape power outages affecting the country. Photo by Africa University Public Affairs Office.

Africa University switches to solar power

Hundreds of solar panels provide power to the United Methodist institution, saving money and offering a reliable source of energy for students as the country grapples with power-shedding outages.
Global Health
Staff with the Zimbabwe Entomological Support Program in Malaria stand inside the insectary at Africa University in Mutare, Zimbabwe, during a rededication of its research lab on Aug. 27. The program was shut down earlier this year after funding from USAID was suspended. From left are Sungano Mharakurwa, Vuyisile Mthokozisi Mathe, Joseph Makanda, Fanuel Toto, Hieronymo Masendu, Petros Kawadza and Violla Chimwayi. Photo by Ben Smith, UM News.

Africa University restarts malaria program

With funding support from the United Methodist Board of Global Ministries, Africa University reopened a research lab after the U.S. aid withdrawal left life-saving work in jeopardy.
Faith Stories
Africa University graduate Panashe Banda displays buckets of mazhanje, an African wild fruit, he brought as a gift to the Zimbabwe West Conference head office staff. Banda has been sharing his family’s harvest with the staff each year as a thank you for the church scholarship he received to attend the United Methodist university in Mutare, Zimbabwe. Photo by Chenayi Kumuterera, UM News.

Church gift fuels student’s determination to succeed

Africa University graduate fulfills his dream through church scholarship and shows his gratitude with harvest gift to Zimbabwe West Conference staff.

Sign up for our newsletter!

Subscribe Now
Loading

United Methodist Communications is an agency of The United Methodist Church

©2026 United Methodist Communications. All Rights Reserved